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The 6,500 sq ft nature center offers hands on exhibits, a reptile and small animal area, observation area, and educational information about the pine barrens. There is a great deal of information for the adults to read, however the classroom area for the kids and all the hands on activities make this place a real treat. It would be a great place to go on a rainy or excessively hot day. The nature center is air conditioned in the summer, which is a huge plus on these 90 degree days we have had.

The park is situated on over 400 acres, with a few nature trails. I spent two hours walking the trails and looking for wildlife that is typical to this area. It would be a great place for a nature scavenger hunt. After you are down with your hike, there is a large picnic area to grab a bite to eat before heading to the playground to get rid of that last little bit of energy

They have various drop in programs throughout the year that require no registration that are geared toward families including, scavenger hunts, learning about gardening and even astronomy nights.

There are many hands on activities

What Jakes Branch County Park offers

Nature Center

6500 Sq Ft learning center

Hands on activities include

Leaf Rubbing

Story area

Dry erase board games

Puzzles

Sand table to make animal tracks

Insect Inspector

Birdwatching area

Diorama of animals in their natural habitat

Fires safety room

Educational Displays that will keep visitors of all ages reading to learn more

Observation Deck with 360 degree views of the entire park (access to the deck is available via stairs or an elevator)

Over 4 miles of nature trails for walking and hiking

2 playgrounds

ages 1-4

ages 4 & Up

Slides

Swings

Climbing equipment

Open play Field

Picnic Grove

Sports Fields

Soccer

Baseball

Tennis

Basketball

View of playground and picnic area from observation deck

.

The Jakes Branch County Park is located at 1100 Double Trouble Road in Beachwood in Ocean County. The park is open daily from dusk til dawn. The nature center hours vary, call 732-281-2750 to check hours before heading out

Crystal Rodgers is Jersey Family Fun’s assistant editor. She is a work-at-home mom to seven wonderful children ranging from 8-22 years old. Her family is always on the go visiting museums, parks, historical sites and just having a great time in and around New Jersey. When she’s not searching for a new place to tell our readers about, researching a hot new toy, or seeing what the new release movies she’s planning her family’s next vacation or chairing up an event for her kids’ school’s Parent Teacher Organization.